Preventing Common Respiratory Infections

Preventing Common Respiratory Infections

Respiratory infections such as colds and influenza (“the flu”) are common in winter. These infections are often caused by viruses. They may share some symptoms, but not all respiratory infections are the same. Some make you more sick than others. You can take steps to prevent common respiratory infections. And if you get sick, you can take care of yourself to keep the infection from getting worse.

What Is a Cold?

Symptoms include runny nose, coughing and sneezing, and sore throat. Cold symptoms tend to be milder than flu symptoms.

Symptoms tend to come on slowly. They last for a few days to about a week.

With a cold, you can still do most of the things you usually do.

What Is the Flu?

Symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, cough, sore throat, runny nose, and muscle aches. Children may have upset stomach and vomiting, but adults usually don’t.

Symptoms tend to come on quickly. Some, such as fatigue and cough, can last a few weeks.

With the flu, you may feel worn out and not able to do normal activities.

It’s most likely NOT the flu if an adult has vomiting or diarrhea for a day or two. This so-called “stomach flu” is probably a GI (gastrointestinal) infection.

When the Infection Gets Worse

Without proper care, a respiratory infection can get worse. This can be very serious. In fact, about 36,000 people die of flu complications each year. If you aren’t getting better, call your healthcare provider. Complications can include:

Bronchitis (infection of the airways that leads to shortness of breath and coughing up thick yellow or green mucus)

Pneumonia (infection of the lungs in which fluid and mucus settle in the lungs, making breathing difficult)

Get a Flu Vaccination!

A flu vaccination protects you from influenza (but not other colds or infections). Get a vaccination each fall, before flu season starts. This can be done at a clinic, doctor’s office, drugstore, senior center, or through your workplace. The vaccine comes in the form of a shot or nasal spray. Your healthcare provider can tell you which form is right for you.

Keep Germs from Spreading

No one likes getting sick. To protect yourself and others from cold and flu germs:

Wash your hands often. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer when you don’t have access to soap and water.

Don’t touch your eyes, nose, and mouth. This may help you keep germs out of your body.

Try to avoid people with respiratory infections. You may want to stay out of crowds during flu season (winter).

Ask your healthcare provider if you should get a pneumonia vaccination.